How To Get Into The Secret Service

If you're interested in becoming part of one of the most prestigious organizations in the country as a Secret Service agent, you're in luck. We've compiled all the information you need to begin the journey to becoming an agent. From education, to experience and other requirements, we'll provide you with a how-to guide on fulfilling your dreams.

Education Requirements

The first two basic steps in becoming this type of agent are: excel in school and don't get into any trouble in regards to the law. Someone wanting to enter this field should hold at least a Bachelor's degree, though majors can vary greatly. Criminal justice and political science are just a few of majors that are relevant.

See: Top 9 Cheap Online Law Enforcement Degree Programs (Bachelor's)

You can enter the agency at different pay grades and your pay grade is determined by your education. Here's how the pay grade system works:

GL-7 pay grade: To be accepted into this pay grade, agents must have a Bachelor's degree. They must also have had a GPA of at least 3.0 for their junior and senior years of college. In lieu of the GPA, applicants must have graduated at the top third of their class or have been a member of a collegiate honor society.
GL-9 pay grade: To be accepted into this pay grade, agents must have at least a master's degree (or equivalent educational experience). In lieu of the degree, agents must have at least one year of experience as a GL-7 agent.

Experience and Other Requirements

Aside from what degree you earn, there are a slew of requirements for becoming a part of this impressive organization. From experience, to training and testing, here's a list of the requirements of a prospective agent. According to the Secret Service, applicants must adhere to these requirements:

They must a U.S. citizen.
Agents must be younger than 37 but at least 21 at the time they apply. A special consideration is made for veterans who must be younger than 40 at the time of the application.
They must have a U.S. driver's license.
Education requirements must be met for GL-7 or GL-9 pay grades.
Agents must be in superior health and physical condition.
They must pass an Applicant Physical Abilities test
Applicants must have vision no worse than 20/60 binocular (uncorrected), correctable to 20/20.
They must prove that agents (men) have registered for the Selective Service System (or prove exemption from having to do register).
Agents must meet all the qualifications for a Top Secret clearance; including in-depth interviews, extensive background investigations, polygraph and medical exams, and drug testing.
All applicants must not have any visible body markings like body art, tattoos, branding, etc. They must not be on the head, face, neck, hand, or fingers. If you do have these types of body markings, they will require you to have it removed at your expense prior to applying.

Possible agents must undergo rigorous training in addition to the many requirements they must meet. This agency only hires the best of the best to become Special Agents. Becoming a Secret Service agent may be hard to do, but well worth it to be a part of such a fulfilling and challenging career with such a vital agency.

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